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Tips for Protecting Your Children with a Carefully Crafted Will

No parent wants to think about dying before their children reach adulthood. Sadly, it does happen, and often before the parents have had the chance to create a will. This can leave children in limbo, create problems for their financial future, and ultimately impact their quality of life. Know how to protect your child with a carefully crafted will.

Designate First Responders

While most parents know who they would want to serve as a long-term guardian for their children, and may have even already discussed the idea with the selected person, many fail to consider what will happen in the minutes, hours, and days immediately after their death. For example, consider the following scenario: You are on your way to pick up your children from school but are killed in an accident. What happens next? Who will pick up your children and ensure they are cared for?

Without proper planning, the reality is that Child Protective Services will have to step in. This means that your child will be sent to a foster home until someone is able to take custody of them, or until the courts decide who should be their legal guardian. Avoid this by choosing a first responder. Talk to them, let them know how important their role is, and give them clear, concise guidelines on how to proceed.

Choose a Long-Term Care Guardian

In some cases, the long-term care guardian is the same person as the emergency responder. However, this is not always the case. Long-term guardians do not always live close enough to be first responders, and not all first responders wish to serve as long-term guardians. In these situations, it is critical that you also choose a long-term care guardian for your child. Discuss the matter with each prospect and always have a back-up. Most of all, get it down in a legal document.

Providing for Your Children After Death

If you have taken the steps to execute a will, hopefully you have also found ways to ensure your children are provided for, in the event of your death. It could be an already established estate, assets you currently own, or it could be through a life insurance policy. Whatever the case, ensure you carefully plan out how and when this money will be used. Think as far ahead as you can – college, emergency situations, braces – and outline the details in your will.

Our DuPage County Estate Planning Attorneys Can Help

When you are creating a will to protect the future of your children, there are a lot of factors and aspects to consider. Our experienced DuPage County estate planning attorneys can help. Known for crafting creative solutions, and for providing all of our clients with a personalized experience, we will sit down with you, one-on-one, and ensure that your wishes are clearly and concisely outlined in your will. For more information, contact Stock, Carlson, Oldfield and McGrath LLC and schedule a consultation. Call 630-665-2500 today.